BOXING Spadafora plans fight, marriage in near future

The former IBF lightweight champ plans to fight Floyd Mayweather.
ERIE, Pa. (AP) -- Troubled boxer Paul Spadafora says he will marry the woman he is accused of shooting.
Spadafora disclosed his intentions Thursday while discussing training plans for a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather. He was flying to Las Vegas on Friday to discuss the potential fight and then head to Detroit to begin training camp.
On Feb. 9, Spadafora, 28, and Nadine Russo, 21, filed for a marriage license in Erie County. They listed his mother's home in Moon, Allegheny County, as their home address.
Planning big wedding
Spadafora said the wedding will be a big ceremony in a Roman Catholic church, but added that will have to wait until his life settles down.
"My lifestyle got out of control," Spadafora said, "but it's back in control."
Spadafora said he has been drink-free for nearly two months since spending time at a Maryland treatment center. He said he also sees a therapist regularly.
Spadafora declined to talk about the alleged shooting on Oct. 26. Police said he shot Russo at a gas station because he was upset she had flattened two tires on his sport utility vehicle. He is free on $50,000 bond.
Earlier this month, Spadafora was fined $400 and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service for urinating on a street while intoxicated two days before the shooting. He was convicted of disorderly conduct and public intoxication.
First fight called off
Mayweather and Spadafora were to fight May 8 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, but the New York State Athletic Commission said the event should not go forward. It declined to give a reason.
Spadafora (36-0-1) gave up his IBF lightweight title in June, saying he could no longer make the 135-pound weight limit. His last fight was in May, a draw against Leonard Dorin.
Mayweather (31-0) is the WBC lightweight champion.